Hugo Chavez looks to God as cancer clouds future

[Zorro]

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has spent much of his career praising the socialist ideas of famed atheists such as Karl Marx and Fidel Castro. Now in the thick of a prolonged battle against cancer, however, the leftist leader is drawing inspiration more than ever from a spiritual leader: Jesus Christ.

Chavez has been praying for divine intervention during increasingly infrequent appearances on television, holding up a crucifix while vowing to overcome his illness. He says living with cancer has made him "more Christian," talk that has coincided with speculation by some Venezuelans that cancer might cut short his bid for re-election in October.

Chavez's voice cracked with emotion as he bade farewell to aides and supporters in Caracas on April 30 before leaving for what he said would be his final round of cancer treatment in Cuba.

"I'm sure our Christ will do it again, continuing making the miracle," Chavez said as he raised his cross to his lips and kissed it, prompting applause from an audience of aides.

http://news.yahoo.com/hugo-chavez-looks-god-cancer-clouds-future-184053811.html

[Atman]

1. I'm curious where he expects the "divine intervention" to come from.

Did Jesus give him the cancer, and he's hoping he can get Dad to call it off? Or maybe Dad caused it, and he wants Jesus to heal him. Religion is sooo confusing!

.

[teddy51]

2. Amazing how people like Chavez are so afraid of death. I am an Atheist, and

have no fear of death!

[Zorro]

3. Facing one's mortality tends to be a sobering experience

[polly7]

4. I don't see it that he's afraid of death itself ..... I think he's fearful for all those people who

support him and what their future might become. And of course, probably very worried about leaving his own family behind, just like anyone else. imo.

[Bacchus4.0]

6. the people will be fine, its the government that should worry you

given that the government is built around him rather than democratic processes and institutions.

[Common Sense Party]

5. I am religious and have no fear of death.

So, obviously, one's religious beliefs (or lack thereof) are not the only deciding factor.

[teddy51]

7. I wasn't really meaning in terms of religion, other than Chavez turning to religion

when his time seemed near. Apparently religion does have some meaning to some non believers when their time is near.